It is with deep regret we inform you that we have recently become aware that the official Gurdwara email accounts which include the General Secretary, Admin, School Visits and the Treasurers official email accounts have been hacked by a former committee member.

We became aware of this situation on Wednesday 22nd July after confirming with Microsoft. They also confirmed that this has been in place for more than 90 days.

In addition, we have also learned that our Home Office Visa Sponsors and use of the Gurdwaras Import & Export Licences were misused by the same individual. None of which have been sanctioned, approved, or made aware to any member of the sangat or committee.

We have become aware that the known individual had managed to hack into the email accounts, and blind copy their personal email address into our accounts and therefore was able see all emails without anyone knowing.

This means that personal sangats details, bank details, bank statements, invoices, payslips, bank details of contractors, information related to domestic violence cases and official communications from the charity have been compromised.

Microsoft have also confirmed the actual email address that was set up to view our emails. We have taken this as a very serious incident and have implemented the following actions:

• –  We have informed the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) with a full log of information
• –  We had stopped immediate use of all compromised accounts until preventions were made
• –  All accounts have been re-checked by the Office 365 Administrator
• –  Passwords reset
• –  Two step authentication has been assigned to all accounts
• –  Official letter will be sent to the person in question with a requirement to prove they have removed all emails

  from their devices and any print outs they made be destroyed

• –  This has been reported to all relevant authorities for further action
• –  Contractors have been made aware of this
• –  Held an emergency meeting to review all of our security measures and access points

  We will continue to update the Sangat on any further developments. Executive Committee Management Team